Chapter 57
“I can’t get over how good you look pregnant,” Arturo said, striding over to help remove the hair trapped in my gilet.
“Woah, calm down. I know that look. Don’t go getting any ideas,” I giggled, his hands cupping my bump.
“Listen to your mummy, lil’ one. Ain’t she silly? You’ll need a siblin’, won’t you?” he whispered, dropping to his knees to kiss my stomach. At this rate, he’d have me pregnant before our child was one.
“Do you want to go on this walk or not?” I teased, urging him to his feet.
“Too damn, right I do.” He took my hand, leading me out of the door quicker than my feet would carry me. “Arturo, slow your ass down… What’s the rush?”
“No rush, just excited for our walk.” I felt his grip tighten the further we got out of the cabin.
He seemed so relaxed and at ease, it was such a delight to see. I couldn’t help but smile at his boyish charm. Day by day, his walls were coming down and his demons slowly became a lot more silent. They were still there, hovering in the background, but nowhere near as much as before.
He was like a man on a mission, and considering he’d never been here before he sure knew where he was going.
“Uh, how do you know your way around?” I questioned, watching his lips turn up into a smirk as I let go of a shiver.
“I explored earlier when you were havin’ a nap,” he said shrugging. “Found somethin’ perfect, do you want to see?”
“There’s not really much around here, but okay.” I replied, deciding this weekend I was just going with the flow.
The moment we turned the corner, I was welcomed by trees covered in twinkling fairy lights and rose petals dusting the untouched white snow. Candles lined the walkway across the frozen river over to what looked like our old wooden pavilion. I had never seen anything so romantic and beautiful.
“Arturo,” I whispered, taking it all in. “Did you… do all this?”
“Yeah, I wanted this weekend to be special.” he said, wrapping his arms around my waist. “You deserve special, my love, you deserve everything.”
Just then our little one kicked just beneath my ribs, the sensation taking my breath away. He or she loved the sound of their Papa’s voice, that was for sure.
“You alright?” he asked, worry marring his ruggedly handsome face.
“Yes, just someone likes to play soccer with my organs.” I smiled as Arturo rubbed his hand against my belly.
“First, it’s football. Second, I reckon she’s just happy. Ain’t you baby girl?” He cooed, craning his neck to meet my lips.
“You’re adamant it’s a she, huh?”
“Just a feelin’. But honestly, I don’t care if it's a boy or a girl. As long as they’re healthy, that’s all I give a shit about.” At this he let out a deep breath, his brow furrowing. He seemed… nervous.
But Arturo never got nervous.
“My love,” he started, dropping to one knee.
Oh my god. I placed a hand over my mouth as he took the other.
“You came into my world when I needed you most, banishin’ the darkness and fillin’ it with warmth, love, and life.
You have consumed me, mind, body and soul, and I know no one will ever get me the way you do.
” His throat bobbed as he reached into his pocket.
“I know it ain’t been easy and we’ve dealt with a lot so far, but I promise you, I’ll spend the rest of my life ensurin’ your happiness and keepin’ our family safe.
” Tears stung my eyes as they pricked his own.
“Isabella Ricci, you rock my world. You are the reason I open my eyes every mornin’.
The reason I take my next breath. You’re the reason I learned how to smile again.
You are everythin’ that is good in my life. ”
“Arturo—” A sob hitched in my throat, making it unable for me to say anything else.
“I fall in love with you more with each passin’ day and will love you until my last breath.
” He smiled, my heart swelling with more love than I ever thought possible.
“So, Miss Ricci, will you do me the fuckin’ biggest honour,” he beamed, “and make me the happiest man on earth by becomin’ my wife?
” I glanced down at his hand to see he’d set a ring in a neat pile of snow in the middle of his palm.
I gasped at the oval diamond shining brightly beneath the lights above. It was timeless and so beautiful.
“Yes.” I said through the tears. “Nothing would make me happier than becoming your wife.” I couldn’t contain the happiness I felt as he slid the ice cold band on my finger.
“Perfect,” he jumped to his feet, pulling me into his embrace. “You see, you were made for me.” His lips claimed mine, his tongue lashing my own as we lost ourselves in one another. “I love you, hermosa ,” he breathed against my parted lips.
“I love you, too.”
“Oh, and before you ask, I already asked your father… He gave his blessin’ as did your grandfather.”
“Wait… you seriously asked him?” I couldn’t hide the shock in my voice.
“Look, I ain’t the most traditional of people, but I know havin’ their blessing means the world to you.” He took my hands in his, bringing them to his lips. “Now, let’s get back to the cabin. I’m thinkin’ we can recreate the movie night at the apartment.”
“Uhhh… But we don’t have pizza from Charlies.” Since being pregnant I’d had a few cravings, but nothing beat the pepperoni pizza from that little place in the city.
“You sure about that?” He smirked.
“Why do I get the feeling you’ve planned something?” I questioned, arching my brow.
“I may have asked Charlie for a favour. Had them stored on the plane. All I have to do is shove them in the pizza oven your grandfather had built especially for this weekend.”
“You did that for me?” And just like that, the flood gates opened and I couldn’t fight back the tears any longer.
“I’d do anythin’ for you, my love,” he whispered, pulling my hand up to kiss the ring he’d placed on my finger.
My heart…
“The ring looks perfect on you,” he smiled, reaching for my hand across the table the following morning. “It was my mum’s, you know.”
“Really?” I gasped.
“Yeah, held onto it since the day she died. Never thought I’d have any reason for it until I met you.”
“But doesn’t she want to keep it?”
“Nah. She gave me her blessin’ to give you it. She wants us to be happy.”
“Well then, I guess it’s a good thing that I have the perfect wedding gift for you.” I grinned.
“You better be jokin’ woman. I don’t want no bloody wedding presents. Marryin’ you is enough.”
“I don’t give a shit what you want, London Boy. You’re getting a present and that is that.” I winked.
“Stubborn girl…”
“Oh, my darling fiancé, you have no idea.” I squeezed his hand, the rings he always wore clashing against the newest addition on my hand. “So, what are we doing today?” I asked.
“Well, I know you can’t exactly ski and that sucks, but I had another idea to have some fun.” His lips split into a smile.
“Let me guess, it’s a surprise?”
“Course it is.” He shoved the last bit of the freshly baked blueberry muffin into his mouth, and rose from the table. “Come on. You’re gonna need to wrap up warm.”
“Whatever you say,” I teased with an eye roll before taking the hand he held out to me.
“Fuck, I want to spank you so bad… Maybe I should cancel the plan.”
“Later,” I pecked his lips.
After we’d changed, we headed out into the snow, the fresh morning air kissing my skin. He had a donut shaped sledge waiting in the snow.
“What’s this?” I asked, my face twisting with confusion.
“Just cause we can’t ski, doesn't mean we can’t have fun.” He helped me into the sledge and carefully ran around the perimeter of the cabin. I could barely contain my laughter and neither could he.
“Arturo!” I managed through a fit of giggles.
“Havin’ fun, hermosa ?”
“Yes!” I squealed.
We stayed outside until the sun began to set. I'd gotten dizzy from the amount of times Arturo had ran around the outside of the cabin. He let only me be the one to throw snowballs, and we even made snow angels. My face ached from all the smiling.
“How about we buy a cabin like this?” I asked later that evening, as Arturo massaged my feet in front of the fire.
“I like the sound of that. Actually no, scrap that, I fuckin’ love the idea.” He beamed. “Let’s start lookin’ once the lil’ one is a bit older. Be nice to have a family holiday just the three of us, what you think?”
“Sounds perfect.”
And that’s what the rest of the weekend was.
Perfect.
When we got back to the house, I was exhausted. It had been a wonderful weekend but thanks to getting no sleep on the jet on the way home, I was officially exhausted.
“So, explain to me again, why am I getting dressed up instead of climbing into my sweats and bingeing on Friends and ice cream tonight?” Arturo’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he caught my eye.
He looked jaw droppingly handsome in a pair of black slacks and matching shirt, open at the neck revealing his tattoos.
“I told you, your father wants us all to go out for dinner tonight as a family. Didn’t he tell you?”
“Of course he didn’t. You know what he’s like.” I scoffed, pulling on a knee length dress that was somewhat comfortable. “Can you zip me up?”
Brushing my hair over my shoulder, his fingertips grazed my bare back. His skin was warm against mine as he gently pulled the zip up on my dress. “You look so fuckin’ hot in this dress. Actually, d’ya really think your Pa needs us at dinner?” he teased.
“Unless you want another beating, I’d say so. Especially if we’ve had to dress up like this.”
“I ain’t scared of your dad,” he chuckled, swatting my ass. My cheeks warmed as memories of our weekend floated into my thoughts.
“I know and that’s what scares me,” I said, rolling my eyes.
Arturo caught my gaze in the mirror and grinned. “Tutt, tutt, princess. Did you just roll your eyes at me?” Excitement fizzled low in my belly as he took my arm.
“Maybe.” I winked.
“I’ll remember that later.”
“Good, that’s what I’m hoping.” I took his arm with a smile as he led me out of our bedroom.
Once we reached the staircase though, he let out a throaty laugh, gazing down at my sneaker clad feet.
“My love, your dad is goin’ to kill ya for wearin’ those.”
“I don’t give a flying fuck. Even kitten heels are not my friend right now.” I sighed, my feet already aching.
You tell him, Bells. Sneakers are the way to go!
I miss you, Ty.
I miss you too.
I always knew Arturo was a good one for ya!
“Where’s your head at, hermosa ?”
“Just thinking about Tyler…” I sighed, pausing on the last step.
“I know, I miss the little shit too. But he’d be so proud of you.” Arturo turned to face me, his eyes searching mine.
“Thank you.” I smiled, bringing my lips to his.
“For the record, I’m proud of you too.” His hand found my hair, and for a moment we forgot where we were.
Someone from beside us cleared their throat. “Are you planning to join us for dinner or does Pa need to bust Arturo’s knee caps?” Of course it was my little brother. Andre laughed.
“Andre, I love you but your timing sucks.” I muttered. “Just tell Papa we’ll be there in five minutes.” Arturo chuckled as I pulled him back in for a kiss.
“Isabella Carmella Ricci, you two had better get your asses in here before I get to five.” My father joked as he stepped out of the dining room, closing the door behind him.
“Fuck’s sake, we’re comin’.” Arturo huffed. Taking my hand, Arturo pulled me over to my father, who stood with a beaming face.
“Pa, what’s going on?” I quizzed, suspicion crawling up my spine.
“What? Nothing!” He glanced at Arturo, his eyes widening.
Before I could say anything else my father pushed open the doors revealing our closest family.
“CONGRATULATIONS!” Everyone screamed the second they saw us.
Tears sprang to my eyes. “Pa, was this all you?” I choked out.
“I’m happy for you, Bells, so very happy for you.” He wrapped one of his arms around me, shaking Arturo’s with the other.
“You knew?” I gasped, facing Arturo.
“Maybe.” He winked, kissing my temple. “We wanted it to be a surprise.”
“Congratulations, darling!” My mother smiled, handing me a champagne glass with non alcoholic bubbles in it. “Let me see it.” I held out my hand, letting my mother’s eyes wander over the ring.
“Arturo, you picked beautifully.” She gasped, taking my hand in hers.
“It was my mum’s actually,” he smiled, as Maria appeared beside us.
“And I couldn’t imagine a better woman to have it.
” I turned to smile at Maria but her face was impassive.
She smiled every now and then but the trauma she had been through was staring us all in the face.
I just hoped that being around Arturo and having their connection slowly rebuild would help bring Maria back to who she was.
“It suits you better than it ever did me,” she whispered.
“Only because you only bloody wore it for five minutes a day, Ma.” Arturo’s hand rested on the small of my back. “Thank you, Lorenzo, for arrangin’ somethin’ special for Bella.”
“It’s for both of you, not just my daughter. You’re family, Arturo.” My father couldn’t hide the smile splitting his lips, “Now, shall we eat?”
“Yes please, I’m starving,” I replied, my stomach rumbling at the thought.
Arturo accompanied me to our seats, as we thoroughly enjoyed the evening my father had arranged for us. It made my heart swell with happiness that we now had unconditional support from everyone.
This was what being happy felt like…
And don’t let anyone ruin it for you.
Love you Ty.
Love you too, Bells.